What are the penalties for failing to stop for the police under S163 of the Road Traffic Act ?

The Power of police in uniform to stop vehicles is contained in S163 of the Road Traffic Act

This offence occurs when

(1)A person driving a motor vehicle on a road must stop the vehicle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform.

(2)A person riding a cycle on a road must stop the cycle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform.

(3)If a person fails to comply with this section he is guilty of an offence.

The maximum penalty for this offence alone is an unlimited fine. The court cannot give you penalty points, but the offence could affect your insurance premium. Many websites confuse this offence with failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident and incorrectly claim that this offence carries penalty points and imprisonment. 

If you fail to stop for the police, you are likely to commit more serious offences, such as dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention, and speeding. 

The penalty for failing to stop after an accident or report is more severe and can result in a fine, points, disqualification and imprisonment in the worst case.

JD Spicer Zeb deals with a wide range of driving offences and can offer competitive fixed-fee agreements for advice. Our driving lawyers will do everything possible to keep you on the road.